How Did the Trend of Eating Insects Begin?
The consumption of insects by humans dates back thousands of years, with many cultures considering them a staple or even a delicacy. However, in Western culture, there has long been a strong aversion towards these critters, viewing insect consumption as something alien or primitive. The rise of sedentary agriculture and industrialization led people to veer away from naturally derived foods like insects and instead favor domesticated and processed food products.
A study called “An Ecology of Food and Nutrition,” published in 2014, revealed that education and opportunities to sample insect-based foods could significantly change people’s attitudes towards eating insects. Several market factors are driving the increasing demand for cricket flour. These include declining seafood resources, concerns about disease transfer, sustainability issues related to meat sources, and dietary trends that encourage the adoption of edible insects. Furthermore, the endorsement of popular fitness and health experts also contributes to the growing demand for products such as cricket flour.
Is the Trend of Purchasing Powdered Crickets on the Rise?
According to experts, the market for edible insects flour was valued at nearly $20 million in 2017. This figure is expected to skyrocket in the coming years, with research firm Global Market Insights projecting an annual increase of over 40 percent in the demand for crickets and other edible insects until 2024. The surge in popularity can be attributed to the growing number of consumers who are actively seeking high-protein and gluten-free dietary options. Consequently, cricket flour is rapidly gaining recognition and is being hailed as a highly commendable food source.